SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4260-5
Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are recognized as a leading candidate for next-generation energy storage due to their high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mAh g⁻¹). However, the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) severely limits cycle life and energy efficiency. Here, we report a multi-interface engineering strategy employing a MnO₂-TiO₂@Ti₃C₂ MXene (MT@MX) heterojunction, synthesized via a facile redox reaction between MXene and KMnO₄, to modulate bidirectional polysulfide conversion. The 2D structure with high conductivity and abundant heterogeneous interfaces facilitates fast ion/electron transfer, reduces reaction energy barriers, and enhances adsorption via d-band center effects. The stepped built-in electric field (BIEF) in MT@MX lowers the migration energy barrier of LiPSs from catalytic MXene to TiO₂ and then to adsorptive MnO₂, enabling reversible migration across multi-interfaces. Optimized heterointerfaces synergistically integrate adsorption, diffusion, and catalytic conversion, yielding excellent cycling stability even at a high sulfur loading of 6.4 mg cm⁻². This work demonstrates that constructing heterojunctions with stepped BIEF offers a feasible approach to modulate interfacial diffusion and provides a new design strategy for high-performance LSB electrocatalysts.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025121602
This study characterized the body burden of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in a physical examination population in Shenzhen and evaluated its impact on thyroid function. Serum samples from 368 residents were analyzed for eight PBDE congeners using atmospheric pressure gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (APGC-MS/MS). The median concentration of ∑8PBDEs was 10.2 ng·g⁻¹ lipid weight (lw), ranging from 0.13 to 2089.4 ng·g⁻¹ lw, with BDE-209 predominating (59.7% of total). Multiple linear regression revealed that a 1.7-fold increase in serum BDE-153 was associated with a 0.4% increase in free triiodothyronine (FT3) (P<0.05), while a 1.7-fold increase in BDE-183 was associated with a 0.9% decrease in total triiodothyronine (T3) and a 0.7% decrease in FT3 (P<0.05). Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) indicated a negative correlation between mixed PBDE exposure and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) at high exposure levels. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression showed that mixed exposure was associated with decreased T3 levels and T3/FT3 ratio, with BDE-153 and BDE-183 as the primary contributors. These findings suggest that PBDE exposure may adversely affect thyroid function and disrupt thyroid hormone homeostasis, with BDE-183 and BDE-153 playing key roles. This study provides a scientific basis for PBDE health risk assessment and thyroid protection.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025010307
Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) are prevalent environmental contaminants with high toxicity and demonstrated tumor-promoting effects. Circadian clock genes are critical regulators of cellular homeostasis and tumorigenesis. This study investigated the role of clock genes in OPAH-induced tumor promotion using 9-fluorenone (FLO), a dominant OPAH. Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells were exposed to 0, 10, and 30 μmol·L−1 FLO. Cell proliferation was assessed via colony formation and EdU staining, and mRNA expression of core clock genes (Bmal1, Npas2, Nr1d1, Per2, Cry1, Dbp) was quantified by RT-qPCR. Results demonstrated that FLO exposure significantly enhanced cell proliferation and dose-dependently suppressed Nr1d1 expression. In synchronized cells, FLO dampened the amplitude of Nr1d1 mRNA oscillation. Pretreatment with SR9009, a selective Nr1d1 agonist, effectively inhibited FLO-induced proliferation. These findings indicate that Nr1d1 plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenic cascade initiated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives, providing mechanistic insights into OPAH health impacts and potential intervention strategies.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025120801
The interaction between microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (PSDOM) and iron oxides in soil environments can modulate its photosensitization effects, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study investigated the influence of hematite with distinct morphologies—flake-shaped (HNPs) and cubic (HNCs)—on the photosensitization of polystyrene-derived dissolved organic matter (PSDOM). Under 500 W mercury lamp irradiation, both hematite morphologies promoted PSDOM degradation, with HNCs exhibiting superior performance: total organic carbon (TOC) decreased from 18.4 mg·L−1 to 12.3 mg·L−1 within 90 min, compared to 13.3 mg·L−1 for HNPs. Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that hematite alters the humification process, thereby modifying photosensitization. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy identified the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and carbon-centered radicals (CH3C(=O)OO·). HNCs significantly enhanced 1O2 production, while HNPs favored ·OH generation; both inhibited CH3C(=O)OO· formation. Quantitative analysis via high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the steady-state concentration of 1O2 was highest with HNCs, reaching 2.80 times that of the PSDOM control, whereas ·OH concentration peaked with HNPs at 1.98 times the control. Notably, the steady-state concentration of 1O2 was approximately three orders of magnitude higher than that of ·OH. These findings elucidate the morphology-dependent role of hematite in PSDOM photosensitization, providing mechanistic insights into the environmental fate of microplastic-derived organic matter in complex soil systems.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3874-1
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) model sizes to trillions of parameters has intensified the demand for computational paradigms that overcome the von Neumann bottleneck. Emerging memory technologies, while advancing, fall short of meeting the massive requirements of large-scale models. Ferroelectric materials, with their continuous tunability of domain patterns, offer a promising route to emulate synaptic weights in biological learning. This review systematically examines four fundamental ferroelectric-based device architectures: ferroelectric capacitors, ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs), ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs), and ferroelectric domain wall memories. We analyze their latest progress, application domains, and inherent advantages, while critically assessing the challenges impeding their commercialization. Key issues include scalability, endurance, retention, and integration with CMOS technology. We also highlight optimization strategies for material and device performance, array-level design, and neuromorphic computing architectures. Future research directions are proposed, emphasizing the expansion of novel applications and the realization of energy-efficient, high-density in-memory computing systems. This review provides a comprehensive framework for researchers and engineers aiming to harness ferroelectric devices for next-generation computing.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202511004
To address nitrate nitrogen accumulation in aquaculture tailwater, a core-shell encapsulated immobilized denitrifying bacterial capsule containing lychee seed powder and denitrifying activated sludge was developed. The capsule's micro-morphology, bacterial activity recovery, growth, community structure changes, and diffusion coefficient dynamics during acclimation were investigated. The capsule shell exhibited a honeycomb porous structure with an average pore size of (0.25 ± 0.063) μm. Denitrifying bacterial activity recovered rapidly, with nitrate nitrogen removal efficiency stabilizing at 83.61% by day 21. Biomass within the capsules increased progressively, reaching (21.96 ± 0.28) mg·(g-pellet)−1 on day 30. The effective diffusion coefficient decreased with biomass growth, dropping to 0.232 × 10−9 m²·s−1 by day 30. Organic carbon source and encapsulation acclimation environment altered the microbial community structure; after acclimation, dominant genera were Methylobacterium (22.8%), Brevibacillus (18.1%), and Azospirillum (17.3%). Denitrifying bacteria containing nirS- and nirK- genes predominantly belonged to Proteobacteria (>99%). Genera involved in organic carbon metabolism and denitrification, including Bosea, Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobacter, and Alicycliphilus, increased in abundance. The encapsulated denitrifying bacteria exhibited short activity recovery time and excellent denitrification performance, making them suitable for denitrification of aquaculture tailwater or other low C/N ratio wastewater.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-4037-1
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) poses a therapeutic challenge due to its anatomical complexity and the limitations of conventional treatments in achieving precise targeting and sufficient efficacy. Here, we report a multifunctional platform based on heat-triggered electrospray self-healing porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres encapsulating indocyanine green (ICG), sequentially coated with a tannic acid-Fe3+ (TAF) metal-phenolic network and fibronectin (FN) for targeted photothermal/chemodynamic combination therapy. The resulting functional microspheres (PI-TAF@FN) exhibit an average size of 1.9 μm, excellent colloidal stability, heat-induced self-healing performance, and a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 51.4%. These microspheres specifically target NPC cells via FN-mediated integrin recognition, enabling ICG/TAF-mediated photothermal therapy under 808-nm laser irradiation and TAF-mediated chemodynamic therapy, leading to enhanced cancer cell apoptosis in vitro. In a mouse NPC model, the combined photothermo-chemodynamic therapy achieved effective tumor treatment with minimal systemic toxicity. Furthermore, the dual TAF and ICG components allow multimode FN-targeted T1-weighted magnetic resonance/fluorescence/thermal imaging for precision NPC management. This electrospray self-healing porous microsphere platform offers a unique theranostic strategy that can integrate diverse therapeutic and diagnostic components for precision oncology.